Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty shut down a state-sponsored program for devout Muslims who are forbidden by Sharia to collect or pay interest on loans. The move demonstrates his commitment to rooting out Sharia.

"As soon as Gov. Pawlenty became aware of the issue, he personally ordered it shut it down," Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant said. "Fortunately, only about three people actually used the program before it was terminated at the governor's direction."

Herman Cain, founder and former CEO of Godfather's Pizza and a GOP presidential contender, said: "There is this attempt to gradually ease Sharia law and the Muslim faith into our government. It does not belong in our government."

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, both flirting with seeking the Republican presidential nomination, have said Islamic law is incompatible with U.S. law and that it must be banned from recognition in courts across the country.